Gear, blank for gears, rolls, &amp;c., and method of manufacturing the same.



Patented Aug. 13

mfl w His Attom'eg.

Inventor Emile J. Guag.

E. 1. GUAY.

GEAR. BLANK FOR GEARS,'ROLLS, &c., AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 9,1917.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

l EMILE J. GUAY, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

GEAR, BLANK FOR GEARS. ROLLS, &c.. AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented is... 13, 1918.

Application filed November 9, 1917. I Serial No. 201,015.

of that class of material generally known as.

spinnable textile fibers. l

' Gear blanks constructed of such fibers are now manufactured in two principal ways, as follows:

In one case, the fibers are oven into cloth from which rings or disks are cut, after which they are piled one on the other in a metal holder until the desired thickness is obtained. The body thus formed is then subjected to heavy compression, which compression is retained by said holder. Instead of mounting the Woven cloth rings or disks in a holder in the manner described, it is possible for someclasses of Work to impregnate the cloth with a binder and depend solely or partially on it to hold the laminations in a compressed state. Instead of first. cutting-the cloth to shape, said cloth may also be assembled into a laminated structure from which the disks or rings are thereafter cut. i

In the second case, the blanks are made from what is commonly termed bats,

meaning'thercby sheets or bodies of textile fibers in a more or less-soft and flufiy state.

' These bats are. compressed into sheets from or compressed 'which rings or disks are cut by means of first case. The disks are then piled one. on the other in a holder until the. desired thickness is obtained to form the finished blank. The material thus formed is then 'subjectql to heavy pressure. which pressure is retained by suitable means.

Due to the fact that the disks or rings are cut out of sheet stock by dies. orothcr means. it follows that a considerable amount of stock inthe formof trimmings is-wasted in the manufacture. It is evident that it costs ,money in the first instance to form the cloth dies as in the bats of which these trimmings are composed. and while in both cases, and

more especially in the case of bats the material may be used over again after being suitably treated, it can only be done at a further ex ense.

n the old cloth type of gear the fibers extend-at right angles to each other. In the bat'type of gear some of the fibers run in the same direction and in parallel planes, and the remainder at different angles, the said fibers frequently passing through one plane to another. In neither case is it pos .sible to definitely locate the positions of the individual fibers with respect to the teeth of the finished gear.

One of the objects of my invention is to improve the method of manufacturing such blanks whereby loss of stock in the form of trimmings is avoided. I have discovered that a simple and satisfactory way to do this is to form the material. of which the blank is composed into a thin fiat element. stripor strand and subsequently to wind saidelement, strip or strand edgewise on a drum to form a helix which is afterward compressed to the desired degree and held in said compressed state.

Another object of my invention is to improve the construction of gears and blanks therefor. whereby their strength will be greatly increased. I have discovered that if the fibers in a finished gear are definitely positioned or arranged so'that they extend. in the same general direction as the finished teeth. and preferably as the sides of the.

finished teeth. the strength of the individual teeth-will be very greatly increased.- Owing to the fact that each tooth has two sides I prefer to so arrange-the fibers that sul'istantially one-hall of them extend in the same gruieral direction as one side and the 170-: mamdcr m the same m neral direction as the other side. This results an making both Iii sides of each tooth alike as regards the rclation of the fibers. To attain the best results, the bddy should be composed of a large num ber otthin' layers. preferably arranged in helical form. so that the. inlerlockingor crossing of the fibers in adjai'rentlayers will serve to mutually support them. This feature is reliy important. in gears designed to trans-mil substantial p wers. particularly it high speeds where the stresses are large. Haring defined the construction required.

it will be cvident that the blankcan be line 10 indicates an involute, or

manufactured in a variety of ways. A simple and satisfactory way to carry out the invention is to. form the stock into a hollow flattened tube in which thefibers form a fine pitch spiraL-and subsequentl to wind the tube edgewise on a suitable orm or drum. Such a method permits of positioning the fibers to give the maximum strength to the teeth of the finished ears. To enable the tube to be easily woun on the drum and also to hold it in place thereon, a small cord or .core is located within the tube which serves as a binding means. This is an important feature since it greatly adds to' the ease of manufacture.

In the manufacture of these blanks many different kinds of textile fibers may be used which are capable of being spun; for example, cotton, flax, hemp, ramie, wool and silk. As cotton is relatively cheap and has been found satisfactory for the purpose,'it will be described as the material used, but it is understood that reference is made thereto as an illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. By experiment and practical use I have ascertained'that sliver, z. e. textile fibers formed into a fieecy strand, and preferably made from what is ordinarily known as a poor grade of cotton can advantageously be employed; for example, that which in the textile arts is known as waste fromthe picker. Such material has relatively short fibers, generally less than an inch in length. It is spinnable, but is commonly used only in the cheapest kinds of garments. When such sliver is used it is preferable to have its fibers at least twice as long as the finished gear teeth, if the best results are to be obtained.

In the accompanying drawing which is illustrative of my invention, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the general and preferred relation of the fibers to-the finished gear teeth; .Fig. 2 shows the means emplo ed in forming the fibrous material into a attened tube Figs; 3 and 4 show the means for winding the flattened tube into a helix;

Fig. 5 shows a part of the press for compressing the helix; Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view of a finished gear; Fig; 7 shows a gear in elevation; Fig. 8 shows amodification in which a ribbon of woven material with the fibers extend substantially at right angles to each other is-employed instead of sliver; Fig. 9 shows another form of ribbon or tube in which the threads extend at acute angles to the sidesthereof, and Fig. 10 shows a ribbon or tape wound on a formefpreparatory to winding it into a helix. I eferring first to Fig.- 1 which illustrates in a diagrammatic manner the general relation of the fibers to the gear teeth, the heavy single curve g ear tooth of the Brown & Sharpe type. he invention is also applicable to other plane passing diametrically through the axis of the gear and coinciding with said face of the tooth at the pitch line. In some special cases this angle may vary from the standard. The lines 11 indicate the fibers in one of the thin elementary layers'which it will be noted extend in the same general direction as one side of. the tooth, and the dotted lines 12 indicate the fibers in the next thin elementary layer which follow the same general direction as the opposite side of the tooth. The fibers in the third thin layer will correspond in angular position to the fibers in the first layer, and the fourth to the second and so on.

It will be noted that the fibers in this figure are somewhat curved from end to end. This is due to the edgewise winding of the flattened tube on the drum in one of the steps of the process, as will appear later. In defining the relation of the fibers to the angle of the finished gear teeth, I do not mean that this is mathematically accurate, because owing to the nature of the material it would hardly be possible to get this exact relation, but for all practical purposes the angles of the fibers correspond to the angles of theteeth.- 7

It is also to be noted that in each tooth there is a very large number of relatively long fibers which are not only securely anchored in the tooth itself by other relatively long fibers but are also securely anchored in-the body below the root of the tooth'in a similar mannerfAs a result of this each toothis very strong and is therefore capable of withstanding heavy stresses and shocks in a tangential direction without breaking or deflecting which is of the utmost importance.

In Fig. '2 is shown means for carrying out the first step in the process. 13 indicates ametal former for making the tube. Since the tube is flattened it is desirable to make the former ap roximate 'theshape and size of the finish tube. On this account the former is madej relatively wide and thin.

:of its strength for a given small cross-seciao . more toward each'other. .To prevent the ele-. meat from bulging outwardly a r1ng'24 is A provided which closely surrounds the petimal area. Small wire may also be used. The sliver or strand 15 is wound around the former and the core. One or more strands or slivers may be wound at a time, two being shown in said figure.

As the flattened tube 16 is made it is progressively pushed off of the former and is then-wound edgewise on the drum 17 to form a helix. said drum being rotated by any suitable means. The drum has a flange 19 at its lower end which supports the first turn of the helix 19. In this operation the core 14 is first attached to the drum, as at 20, Fig. l, and the drum started into motion. The speed of the drum should be such as to receive the tube as fast as it is made'. The core being attached at one end and being fed forward under suitable tension binds each turn of the helix to the face of the drum, thereby holding it in position. This operation can be facilitated by exerting a slight endwise pressure on the upper turn by means of the plate or plates 21 which also act as a guide to maintain the sides of the turns perpendicular to the axis of the drum, said plate or plates being held against rotation..but being capable of moving longitudinally of the drum. Since the plates act on the flattened tube after it leaves the former they also serve asa means for furtherflattoning and consolidating the material by exerting a certain amount of pressure thereon. After a helix of sufficient length to form a finished blank hasbeen wound on the drum, it is removed by pushing the same endwise ofl' of the drum, after which the heli which for convenience may be called an element, is mounted on a steel cvlinder of substantially the same diameter for further treatment. The drum 17 may be made of thin sheet metal since the stresses on it are small. but it canbe made of steel or other strong material in which case the element, may not have to be removed for- .whichmaybe the drum 17 if strong enough and properly constructed, if not-another cylinder is employed. This has to with: stand a heavypressure tending to collapse it when the opposing parts of the press ripheral faces of the element and the beveled rings 22. To state the matter another:

the pressure is removed the elasticity of the fibers will cause the helix to expand to an axial length of about three inches.

The next step is to put one or'more elements in a holder or clamp, in which they are retained under a moderate pressure, after which the elements are subjected to the action of a softening agent, such as water for example. The purpose of this is to soften the fibers so that they can be consolidated to a greater degree without causing injury'to the individual fibers, particularly at the points where said fibers cross each other.- time required in this operation it is best .done'in an ordinary vacuum tank where about one-half hour will suflice. I find it desirable to compress the fibrous material to a greater or less extent before subjecting it'to the action of the softening agent, but in some cases it may be found desirable to reverse these operations.

In some'cases it will be found advanta-. geous to add a small amount of binder'to the water, the purpose being to cause the fibersto have a slight adhesion which is useful in handling the elements. This binder has no effect as a binding agent on the finished product; because the finalpressure is such as to substantially drive it all out of the To decrease the amount of.

material. My experience has demonstrated a that the less binder used the better.. Ammonia. shellac will form a suitable-binder if usedin the proportion of three one-hundredths of one per cent. by weight to that of the water used as the softening agent.

\Vhen' the material is immersed inthe softening agent it is under a moderate pressure the amount of which is not material,

It is desirable, however, to limit it to such a pressure as will. permit the necessary amount of liquid to freely penetrate the fibersto soften them without there being" any substantial excess which would have to be removed later.

-The nextjstep is toremovethe elements and subject them to sufficient pressure which may be approximately the final pressure to drive out substantially all'of the softening agent and the binder, and then to subject sirable to keep the elements in a hot dry place, until used to prevent them .from absorbing moisture from the-atmosphere.

' After the elements have been thoroughly dried each is placed-in its final holder, as shown in Fig. 6. This comprises a member which has a web 26 and an integral flange or shroud 27. A second member is provided which has a tapered cylindrical portion 28 thatmakes. a good fit with the periphery of the member 25. It also has a flange-or shroud 29between which and the flange 27 the element 30' is clamped. To complete the huba flanged member 31 is profitiflt-led which is bolted or otherwise securedto the web 26. In assembling, the

20 men'iber 25 is mounted in a horizontal positionin a press and the element placed in position thereon. Above this is placed the 7 second" member and the final pressure is applied in the ordinary manner. In practice I find. that a pressure of ten tons per square inch of face is satisfactory for the purpose, but the amount can be varied to suit the requirements. By the various pressure steps in the process herein outlined, a cotton sliver helix fourteen inches long and about eight inches in diameter isreduced to one inch in the'finished gear. While the members of the holder and the gear are under-the finalpressure the end face 32 of the member 25 is rolled over the corner of the flange 29 of the second member to unite the parts of the holder. This rolling can be done by a suitable tool in the same press in which the gear is assembled. After the parts of the holder have beenunited the pressure on the cotton will besomewhat decreased for the reason that the partsof the metal'holder which before were neutral are now under tension and hence have stretched a little. Also because the fibers haye-taken'more or less of a set during the manufacturing operations.

It is to'be noted thatthe flanges 27 and 29 are inclined toward each other, a'. e., are slightly cored. This inclination will-.vary 50.

with different sizes of gears and bears a definite relation to the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the element. This arrangement has two purposes, first to provide the necessary space for the fibrous material. so-that the pressure will be 'llnlfOll'l'l throughout, and second to anchor it' against the effects of centrifugal force. The additional space between the sides of t-heinner'edges over that between the sides at the outer or peripheral edges is made necessary by reason of thefact that the same;

amount of fibrous material is present vat-both points which differ in diameter. -'lhe.oretically some'slight allowance should be made for the presence of the core 1ft, but

since it is very small, and since the turns of the core in the finished'gear do not all fall in thesame cylindrical plane, its presence may be disregarded. However, if a heavier core or one less compressible is employed, some slight allowance should be made, as it is important to have as nearly uniform pressure as possible over the entire sides of the gear. It is also important to have smooth faces on the flanges-since any substantial increase of pressure at any local point is liable to injure the gear at this particular pointf By making the shrouds slightly conical they are able to withstand heavy axial pressurebecause the metal is placed in tension.

his to be particularly noted that the textile material is held under such compres-;=

Y lVhe'n. forany reason, it. is desirable to make up a gear-from a number of elements, the inclined faces thereof willbe cut away leaving both sides parallel to each other except the outside faces on theend elements which are left inclinedl'for the purpose of. anchoring the material in the holder.

After the material is mounted in the holder as above described, it may be machined the same as any metal gear. Figs. 6 and 7 show a .gear,the teeth of which are cut-in the flanges or shrouds 27 and 29. as, Well as in the fibrous material. but it is not intended that the=metal shroudsshall 'en gage the companion. gear; The teeth in some cases will. be cut straight and in other cases onaspiral. depending-upon the use to which the gear is to be put.

It, will be noted, owing to the formation of the element from a flattened tube wound into a helix. that the fibers in the finished product are arranged inturns or layers. each turn or layer being composed of two elei'uentary layers. Of the fibers in these. elementary layers one-half are slightly inclined in one direHion plane and the"ren'ulin'ler in the opposite direction at the smile. angle. said angles sub- 'stantia-lly coinciding with the'angles and .sides of thefinished gear teeth.

. and coi'nposed' of cotton sliver is-approximately eight one-thousamlths of an inch in thickness, there being about sixtyl'a'yers orv to a dia'metral ferent treatment.

speaking,

under a By careful test I have found that'a gear constructed as herein described is not only very much stronger than a gear made according to the old methods, but shows less Wear. As a matter of fact'the gears are fully as strong as thebest grades of cast iron and withstand shocks much better. Moreover they are quiet in operation. In a given test my improved sliver gear and one made of 'spinnable textile fiber by an old process were tested under'similar conditions i of load and speed. The old type gear at the time it broke in service showed a wear of .024 on the teeth, while my improvedgear showed a wear on the teeth of. only .006 and was apparently as good as before, except for the slight wear. Another test showed that the teeth in a gear made by the old process havin a one inch face broke ressure. 0% 10 00 lbs., while with my improve gear having teeth of the same size they withstood a pressure of 1600 lbs.

In some cases the resence of the core let in the finished blan may be undesirable. Where this is so, the blank may be held in a suitable clamp and the core. and the fibers immediately surrounding it removed by a suitable cutting operation.

In the description thus far is disclosed the construction ofa blank made from unwoven material as. it represents the most highly developed form of the invention. In its broader aspect, however, my invention is notlimited to the use of sliver or other unwoven material since certain substantial advantages, due to avoidance of loss in trimmings and increased strength, may be had by using woven material in the form of tape or ribbon or hollow flattened tubing. The tape or ribbon may be formed in any suitable manner, as, for example, is shown in Figs. 8 and 9. In Fig. 8 certain of the threads extend longitudinally and the remainder at right angles thereto. In Fig. 9 the material is so woven or braided that the threads are inclined to the edges of the body. In carrying out this formof the invention the ta e, if suitabl formed, may be directly woun edgewise on the drum 17, or it may first be wound on a former into a flattened tube, as in the case ofthe sliver blank and described in connection with Fig. 2 and then ,wound on the drum.

There is, however, onev difference in the tube thus formed over that previously described. In Fig. 2 the turns are, practically side By side with only such overlap as occurs due to the soft nature of the material used. In the case of the tape or ribbon 34 there is a substantial overlap, as shown in Fig. 10, and for a particular pur pose. As theflattened tube is wound edgewiseon the drum the outer portions, or edges, of the turns move slightl on each other to compensate for the di erence in length between the circumference of the drum and that of the wound body. The

material also stretches more or less inthis operation and if it is loosely woven the stretch may of itself be sufiicient to'eifect this compensation. When tape of the character shown in Fig. .8 is employed, it is evident that the longitudinal threads in adjacent elementary layers will cross each other at acute angles and thus interlock;

also that said threads are interlocked by the.

cross-threads which in turn cross and interlock with other cross threads in adjacent layers. It will also be evident that the threads on the outside of each turn of the helix will cross and interlock with those in adjacent turns, "and in this manner the teeth of the finished gear will be strongly.

supported. -With the material formed as shown in Fig. .9 there is also interlocking of p the fibers as'above described. but the relative position of the fibers is diflerent. Irrespective of the way the helix is formed the subsequent treatment of it ma advantageously be the same as those outlined for the sliver .blank..

In'th e beginning of this specification, reference was made to a type of gear made of layers or laminations of cloth in which the several layers are held to ether solely by the action of a binder. y improved method of manufacture, in so far as, it relates to the formation of the several layers or'laminations, is-also applicable to gears, rolls, etc., of this character. Owing to the presence of the relatively large amount of inder necessary in a blank of this character, it will generally be preferable to. avoid the intermediate pressure step "and to subject the helix to its final pressure after being impregnated. In this manner all danger from injury to the fibers due to pressure when the binder is in a more or less hardened state will be avoided.

My invention has been described more teeth. The only essential difference in the manufacture. is that the holder will have to be different shape and will surround the fibrous body. In machining the blank the inner ends of the fibers and the core 14.- will be removed instead of being retained, as in the peripheral tooth type of gear.

As has been previously pointed out my improved blanks are particularly intended for gears in which at times the tangential stresses and strains are very great. It is evident that if .the blank will stand up for such purposesit will also stand up for other purposes, especially where the strains and stresses are less. For example the blanks may advantageously be used as friction rollers for various purposes, in which case the pressure'is substantially all in a radial direction. Where the surface which cooperates with the roller or blank is wider than the textile fiber filler face, the end shrouds or flanges should be cut away slightly so that their diameter will be slightly less than that of the filler face to prevent the shrouds from engaging said surface. Owing to the fact that the ends of the fibers are presented to the periphery of the finished roll, the coeflicient of friction of the roll will be high which is of course a desirable characteristic for such devices.

I am able to get a greater amount of spinnable fibers into a given space with the same compression pressure than was possible with the prior constructions with the result that the gear teeth are substantially stronger and more durable. This is due to the improved arrangement of the fibers with .respect to each other. I may also use higher pressures than with the prior constructions without injury to the fibers. to greatly decrease the amount of stock re quiredover prior constructions without, however, sacrificing any of the necessary and desirable qualities of the gear. Specifically, it requires about three times as much stock to make a cotton bat gear as it does one of my improved spirally wound gears of the same diameter and working face.

I believe it is broadly new with me in the manufacture of blanks of the character described from spinnabl'e textile fibers to forni said'fibers into a relatively'thin body either in an unwoven or woven state and to wind said body edgewise into a helix; todefinitely locate orposition the individual fibers in the layers and to wind the layers in such manner that the fibers in layers approximately follow the shape of the finished gear teeth, and at the same time cross or nterlock with those in the adjacent layers, and also to wind the material into a flattened tube, which tube is subsequently wound into a helix, said layers, however formed, being subsequently compressedand retained in said state by any suitable means.

\Yhat I claim as new and desire to securc by Letters Patent 0f the United States is- 1.- The method of manufacturing blanks which comprises avinding a cylindrical body from loose textile fibers, said fibers being arranged to extend generally in a radial direction from the center to theoutsidc of said body, and subjecting the body thus formed tioqiressure to consolidate it. y

2. The -method of manufacturing blanks I am also able jecting the body to and confining it under pressure.

4. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears. rolls, etc, whichcomprises forming textile fibers into a long, narrow strip, winding said strip into a cylindrical bodv. said fibers being arranged to extend ou twardly from the axis of said body and at different angles so that the fibers c ross each other, and mounting the body in a holder under compression.

T he method of manufacturing blanks: for gears, rolls, etc, which comprises forming a cylindrical body of loose textile fibers, saidfibers being arranged to extend outwardly from the axis of the body and at different angles so that the fibers cross each other, subjecting the body thus formed to the action of a softening agent, driving out the agent by the application of pressure, and mounting the body in av holder under its final compression.

(i. The iiiethod of manufacturing blanks for gears; rolls, etc., which coi'i'iprises winding a cylindrical body of thin narrow layers of textile fibers, said fibers in each layer extending crosswise of eachlayer and also outwardly from the axis of the body, those in certain layers extending at different angles from those in the'remaining layers so that the fibers in different layers cross, and mounting the body in a holder under com-' pression.

7. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc, which comprises forming a relatively narrow strip of loose textile fibers, arranging the strip in layers to form a cylindrical body, the fibers in successive layers extending at acute angles. to each other and to planes passing diametrically through the axis of the body whereby th fibers in the different layers overlap, and subjecting the body thus formed to pressure.

8 .'The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc.,' which comprises forming a cylindrical body of loose textile fibers arranged in thin layers, the fibers in successirc layers extending at acute angles to each other and the planesipassing. diametricallv through the axis of the body whereby the fibers forming the different layers overlap, subjecting the body to the effects of a softening agent and then to pressure to consolidate the fibers and drive out said agent, and mounting the body in a holder under compression. I

9'. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc., which comprises Winding spinnable textile fibers into an elongated element in which said fibers form a fine pitch spiral, winding the element into the form of a helix, and mounting the helix in a holder under compression.

'10. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc., which comprises winding spinnable textile fibers into an elongated element in which said fibers. form a fine pitch spiral, windin the element into the form of a helix, sub ecting the helix to the action of a softening agent, driving out said agent by the appllcation of pressure and heat, and mounting the helix in a holderunder compression.

11. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls,'ete., which comprises winding textile fibers around a core, mounting said fibers on a holderand temporarily confining them in place by the core, and finally subjectingthe fibers to and confining them under pressure.

12. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc.,which comprises loosely Winding. spinnable textile fibers around a core in a manner to form a flattened finewinding textile-fibers about a core to form a tube, winding it 'o n a drum to form a helix with the core under tension to hold the turns in place, subjecting the helix to the action of a softening agent, consolidating the hehx to drive out said'ag'ent, mounting the helix in a holder under compression, and finishing the blank.

the body from its temporary support and subjecting it to the action of pressure and heat to drive out said agent, and mounting the body in a permanent support under compression. I j

15. The method of manufacturing blanks for cars, rolls, etc., which comprises winding oose textile fibers around a former and core and then winding the fibers and core to form a cylindrical body, said fibers being arranged to extend outwardly from the axis of the body and at different-angles so that the fibers cross each other, confining the body against change of shape in a plane perpendicular to its axis, subjecting the same to axial pressure to consolidate the fibers, and confining the same in a compressed state.

16. The method of manufacturing blanks for gears, rolls, etc., which comprises forming a cylindrical body of loose unwoven textile fibers, all of'said'fibers being arranged to extend outwardly from the axis of the body and at different angles so that the fibers cross each other. impregnating the body with a binder, confining the body against change of shape in a plane perpendicular to its axis and subjecting the body to heavy axial pressure to consolidate it and drive out the excess binder.

17. The method of manufacturing blanks for gearsrolls, etc., which comprises loosely winding textile fibers around a core, winding the fibers and-core around a ten'lporary support to form a helix, subjecting the helix to end pressure to consolidate the'fibers, subjecting the helix to the action of a softening agent, and then to the action of pressure and heat to further consolidate it and drive out said agent, removing its temporary support, and mounting the body in a permanent holder under compression.

18. As an article of manufacture, a blank for gears, rolls, etc., comprising a consolidated body formed from narrow, edgewise wound ribbon of unwoven textile fibers, the trend of sa'idfibers being in general outwardly from the axis of the body.

19. As an article-of manufacture, a blank for gears, rolls, etc., comprising a consolidated body formed of thin, edgewise wound layers of unwoven textile fibers. said fibers being arranged to extend outwardly, those in one layer crossing those in the adjacent layers.

20. As an article of manufacture, a blank for gears, rolls, etc., comprising a eonsoli dated body formed from an edgewise, helically wound ribbon of textile material, the fibers in the different turns of the helix extending outwardly from the axis of the body,

those in one side of each turn of the'helix crossing those in the other side of another turn.

21. As an article of manufacture. a gear, comprising a. wound body of loose textile fibers which are arranged in layers, said fibers extending outwardly from the axis of the body and atdifl'erent angles so that the fibers cross each other in the teeth and are securely anchored in the body below the teeth, and a metallic holder in which said body is retained under compression.

22. A gear having its body portion comrespect to the teeth.

posed of wound compressed spinnable textile fibers which 'cross each other in the teeth and in the body below the teeth, the trend of said fibers being generally in a radial direction.

23. A gear comprising a toothed body composed of a consolidated mass of unwoven spinnable' textile fibers in which said fibers are ldefinitely positioned with respect to the teet a 24. A gear comprising a toothed. body composed of a consolidated mass of unwoven 'spinnable textile fibers in which said fibers are arranged in thin interlocking layers, said fibers being definitely positioned with 25. A gear comprising a toothed body composed of layers, of unwovenspinnable textilefibers consolidated into-a dense mass with the" fibers in adjacent layers interlocking, those in certain of the layers approximately following the shape of one side of the teeth and in other layers that of the opposite side of the teeth.'

261A gear having a toothed body comprising unwoven spinnabl'e textile fibers which are definitely positioned with respect to the teeth, and ametallic holder in which said fibers are'held under pressure in a compact mass.

27. A gear having'a toothed body comprising unwo'ven spmnable textile fibers in- .thin interlocking layers, the fibers in said layers being positioned to correspondgenerally to'the side faces of-the gear teeth.

A gear having a toothed bod com- PIlSlIlg unwoven splnnable textile fi ers in thin interlocking spirally arranged layers, the fibers in said layers being positioned to correspond generally to the side faces of the gear teeth, and a metallic holder in which thelayers are held.under pressure.

29. A gear'comprising a toothedbody of compressed textile fibers, said fibers being arranged in thin layers and extending outwardly from-the axis of the. gear and at different angles so that the fibers in adjacent layers cross each other, and a metallic holder which forms a huband has-end heavy end flanges. that hold the body of the gear under compression.

30. 'A car comprising" a toothed body formed a helix of textlle fibers, the turns of said helix being flattened, the individual fibers in certain of the turns of the helix interlocking;

crossing those in the other turns both in the teeth and in and a holder that retains the helix in a compressed state.

31. A blank comprising textile fibers arranged in the form of a helix havin substantially the same amount of fiber m the region of its bore as at the periphery, and a metallic holder which engages the wall of the bore and also the side faces of the blank and retains the fibers under substantially uniform compression.

32. The method of manufacturing blanks for the purpose described, which comprises forming a thin element of spinnable textile fibers, winding the element thus formed into a helix, and compressing the helix and holding it under compression.

33. The method of manufacturing blanks for the purpose described from a flat strand of spinnable textile fibers, which comprises winding thestrand edgewise to form ahelix, and compressing the helix and holding'it under compression.

34. The method of manufacturing blanks for the purpose described, which comprises forming spinnable textile fibers into a thin flat. element, winding the element thus formed into a helix, compressing the helix,- and mounting the helix in a holder and retainin it under heavy compression.

35. he 'method of manufacturing blanks "for the purpose described, which comprises winding textile fibers into a thin flat element, winding the element thus formed edgewise intoa helix, and compressing the helix and holding it under compression.

36. The =method of manufacturing blanks for'the. purpose described, which comprises windin textile fibers into a, thinfiat ele ment, t e fibers on one side of the element with'those on the other side, winding t element thus formed into a helix, and mounting the helix in a holder under compression.

37. A gear comprising: spinnable textile fibers arranged in thin interlocking layers. and forming a helix, and a holder therefor constructed and arranged to hold said fibers under heavy compression and to directly transmit pressure between the gear teeth and its supporting shaft.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of November, 1917.

E'MI'LE- J. GUAY.

the body below the teeth, a 

